How to Grow Older While Looking the Other Way

Start by noticing the mirror only in passing,

Treat silver as weather, a temporary casting.

Step one: do not linger on lines near the eyes;

Call them proof of laughter, not time in disguise.

Next, police your thoughts—veterans swear it’s the trick.

Let them knock once or twice, then move on, quick.

If age clears its throat and leans in to call,

Say, yes, I hear you, but not yes—I’m all in, take all.

Practice this daily: reframe and revise.

Replace I am fading with I am still wise.

Keep birthdays, arithmetic, candles, and cake,

Avoid counting decades for memory’s sake.

When fear starts explaining the end of the tale,

Interrupt politely. Do not let it prevail.

Breathe in the present—this hour, this chair—

Ground yourself firmly in tangible air.

Another instruction: borrow tomorrow’s light,

But refuse its shadow that waits out of sight.

Hope is permitted; conclusions are not.

Live inside questions; conclusions are hot.

Finally, if acceptance knocks hard at your door,

Lower the volume. You’re not ready for more.

And follow these steps to keep dread at bay,

Aging acknowledged, mortality delayed.